The South Australian tourism industry is set to leverage off a recent partnership between Tourism Australia and Twentieth Century Fox to promote Australia the movie, starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman.
Chief Executive of the South Australian Tourism Commission, Andrew McEvoy says experiences and themes covered in the movie will be used in collaborative marketing material to promote South Australia in key markets overseas.
"As a global film event, and with the extraordinary power of films to stimulate tourism, Australia will act as a catalyst to motivate people to travel to Australia and South Australia," Mr McEvoy says.
"Millions of people around the world, through the film and DVD release, will be exposed to Australia and be captivated by its stunning landscape, its characters and its unique culture. The beauty and diversity of the country, as well as its European and Aboriginal history as explored in the movie, reflect many of the experiences visitors can get on a holiday here in South Australia."
Scheduled for release in Australia in November 2008, Australia is the creation of acclaimed writer, producer and director, Baz Luhrmann, whose trip on the 2005 The Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive in South Australia provided inspiration for the film.
Two key South Australian members of the 2005 The Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive droving team met Baz on the event and have been working on the film for the past 12 to 18 months undertaking horse training and riding elements.
"South Australia really is the gateway to the Outback, and home to some of Australia's most genuine outback experiences including The Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive," Mr McEvoy says.
"Thousands of cattle were herded down the Oodnadatta Track in the legendary cattle drives of old. All the splendour and romance of these historic cattle drives has been recreated in previous Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive events in 2002, 2005 and 2007.
"And visitors will again have the opportunity to experience The Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive in 2010, thanks to the recent State Government funding of $500,000, which matches Federal Government funding for the event
"With this funding commitment, we can begin planning for the next event in 2010 to determine the best location and dates, taking into consideration the drought that is still ongoing in many remote Outback areas."
"The epic journey provides a unique opportunity for visitors to re-live the glory years of Australia's outback cattle drovers by riding alongside authentic working people, moving a real herd through outback wilderness. This event provides a unique opportunity to relive the spirit of Australia's famous drovers, experience Aboriginal culture, with a touch of outback luxury, forming a true blue Aussie journey.
"South Australia aligns itself well with themes in the movie, offering experiences around themes including romance, adventure, Aboriginal culture, journeys and the landscape in the Outback, experiences visitors can expect to find in South Australia."
THEMES AND EXPERIENCES FROM AUSTRALIA THE MOVIE YOU CAN ENJOY IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA:
ROMANCE
Angorichina Station
The homestead is an oasis in an otherwise severe, yet beautiful environment. Within its thick stone walls is a world of calm and grace - music, flowers, books and antique furnishings surround you, while mouth-watering cooking aromas issue from the kitchen. Dating from the 1860's, this original homestead is a classic of Australian vernacular architecture.
North Bundaleer Homestead
North Bundaleer, one of the last grand pastoral homesteads built in South Australia, offers secluded and indulgent hosted accommodation. This heritage-listed property is on 400 acres of native bushland and farmland next to the historic Bundaleer Forest.
Pichi Richi Camel Tours
Pichi Richi Camel Tours offer spectacular one and a half hour evening camel rides through native bushland finishing with a candlelight dinner or a seven day safari combining gourmet food and the perfect backdrop; by day the magnificent peaks of the Flinders Ranges and by night the Milky Way.
Rawnsley Park Station, Flinders Ranges
Rawnsley Park Station offers visitors luxurious and romantic accommodation with its eco-villa accommodation. These tourism award-winning villas offer sheer opulence and luxury and are set in the heart of the Flinders Ranges.
ADVENTURE
Gawler Ranges Wilderness Safaris
Gawler Ranges safaris are run by a team of Aussies who have lived in the outback all their lives. They began operating nature based Safaris in 1988, specialising in the wildlife. The company provides an experience of the Outback and West Coast of South Australia with all of its awe and wonder.
Calypso Star Charters – Dive with Great Whites
The Neptune Group of Islands near Port Lincoln on South Australia's Eyre Peninsula is one of very few places on the planet which boasts almost year round Great White Shark activity. Here's your opportunity to get up close with these amazing creatures, from the safety of a cage of course.
Adventure Bay Charters – Swim with Tuna
On this tour you will be briefed on the history of the tuna industry before boarding the purpose built boat for the 15-minute trip to the farm. Upon arrival you will be provided with basic information on how to feed and interact with the tuna.
Cave Diving in South Australia
South Australia's cave diving takes place mainly in the many water-filled caves and sinkholes located on the Limestone Coast. The Nullarbor Plain is famous for having some of the longest caves in the world, however the Limestone Coast has more than 500 known features, over a hundred of which contain crystal clear water.
Baird Bay Ocean Eco Experience
Enjoy the unique experience of swimming with dolphins and Australian sea lions. These inquisitive mammals will play around you as you watch, or you may choose to swim with them, an experience you will never forget.
OUTBACK
Down n Dirty Tour
The "Down n Dirty Tour" offers a comprehensive hands-on opportunity to experience the thrill of digging for your own fortune. Included is an informative, instructional and entertaining video on opal mining, a visit to a working mine field to understand the various styles of opal mining, entry to the Quest Mine where you will be supplied with a hard hat, torch and handpick to "find your fortune" and access to the Jewellers Shop mullock heaps for an experience in noodling (fossicking)
The Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive
The 2007 Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive epic experience saw 500 head of cattle and 150 horses droved through the Outback. This rewarding experience offers visitors the opportunity to re-live the glory years of Australia's Outback cattle drovers.
A Day in the Saddle
Outback identities, Jane & Ross Fargher, along with Gordon & Lyn Litchfield of Wilpoorina Station invite visitors to share their lives and the Australian Outback with personalised itineraries incorporating Nilpena Station. Visitors can share their tradition and hear their history as they ride with a diverse range of desert landscapes. Watch the sun set on the desert horizon, enjoy panoramic views of the Flinders Ranges to the east and camp out drover style in swag.
For more information, call Jane Fargher from the Prairie Hotel on +61 08 8648 4844
Outback Mail Run with Desert Diversity Tours
Learn about the early explorers, the arid land pastoral industry, the fauna and flora and what it is like to live in the outback. All tours are conducted in comfortable air-conditioned 4WD vehicles in smaller groups for a more personal, casual and relaxing atmosphere.
See Lake Eyre with Wrightsair
Wrightsair was established in 1990 and specialises in outback scenic flights and aircraft charter from William Creek, Coober Pedy in outback South Australia and Alice Springs in the Northern Territory
The Prairie Hotel
Without compromise to the character of the historic old pub, an establishment of world-class standards has been created in terms of innovative dining, accommodation and ecotourism activities. Don't miss the superb Aussie Bushtucker, consisting of Flinders Ranges 'feral foods'.
Chinta Air Tours
Luxury air safari operator, Chinta Air Tours, has recently introduced a new South Australian tour onto their itineraries. The Flinders Ranges/Kangaroo Island tour allows visitor to take advantage of a charter flight to the spectacular Flinders Ranges, staying at the award-winning Rawnsley Park eco-villas, followed by a tour of Kangaroo Island – Australia's Galapagos. Chinta Air Tours offer tailor-made air safaris to the outback. These tours are a complete package and include sole aircraft charters, accommodation, meals, 4WD tours and transfers.
Email: info@chinta.com.au
ABORIGINAL AUSTRALIA
Bookabee Tours Australia
Aboriginal owned and operated, Bookabee Tours can take you to places very few have seen.
